Name: Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Prep time: PT-489210H39M15S
Cook time: PT-489210H39M15S
Total time: PT-489210H39M15S
Cuisine: Italian‑American
Ingredients: 1 (25 oz) package Parker House roll dough (or equivalent frozen yeast‑dough rolls); ~¼ cup melted butter (divided); garlic salt (to taste)

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There’s nothing quite like the warm, garlicky aroma of fresh breadsticks to make a meal feel complete. I’ve always loved the signature breadsticks from Olive Garden, and this copycat recipe brings that same magic right into my own kitchen. Soft, buttery, and perfectly seasoned, these breadsticks are my go-to when I want to elevate a dinner or impress guests. Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these breadsticks strike the perfect balance between fluffy and chewy. They come out golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of garlicky-buttery flavor that reminds me of my favorite restaurant meals. They’re easy enough for a beginner baker and make any pasta night feel like a special occasion. Plus, I can serve them with soup, salad, or dip them in marinara and Alfredo sauces.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Warm water
Active dry yeast
Granulated sugar
All-purpose flour
Salt
Unsalted butter
Garlic powder
Optional: parsley flakes for garnish

Directions

I start by combining the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl. I let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it’s nice and foamy.
Then, I add the salt and flour gradually while mixing, until a soft dough forms.
I knead the dough for about 7–10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic, then cover it and let it rise for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
Once risen, I divide the dough into equal pieces and shape them into breadsticks.
I place them on a lined baking sheet, cover, and let them rise again for 20–30 minutes.
I bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
While they’re baking, I melt the butter and mix it with garlic powder.
As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, I brush them generously with the garlic butter and sprinkle on some optional parsley flakes.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 breadsticks. The prep time, including rising, takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the baking time is approximately 12–15 minutes. In total, I set aside about 1 hour and 45 minutes for the full process.

Variations

Sometimes I like to mix things up by adding grated Parmesan cheese on top right after brushing with garlic butter. For a spicy twist, I’ve tried adding a dash of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture. I’ve also used whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier version, which pairs well with soups and stews.

Storage/reheating

To store, I keep the cooled breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When reheating, I wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. For frozen ones, I add a few extra minutes in the oven without thawing first.

FAQs

How do I make the breadsticks extra soft?

I make sure not to overbake them and keep a close eye during the final minutes. Brushing them with butter right out of the oven also helps lock in moisture.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, I substitute instant yeast and skip the proofing step. I just mix it right into the flour before adding liquids.

What flour works best for this recipe?

I stick with all-purpose flour for that soft, chewy texture, but I’ve also had success with bread flour when I want a slightly chewier bite.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough a day in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Before baking, I let it come to room temperature and rise again.

Are these breadsticks vegan?

As written, they contain butter, but I can easily swap in a plant-based butter to make them vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

These Olive Garden-style breadsticks are everything I want in a homemade side—soft, savory, and always a crowd-pleaser. I love how simple ingredients come together to create something that feels like a treat. Whether I’m making them for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends, they never fail to impress.